Median rents in Orange County increased by 19-percent between 2000 and 2012, while the median income declined by ten-percent, according to the report. During the same time, L.A. saw a 25-percent jump in rents, and a nine-percent drop in incomes.

"Coupled with stagnant wages, increasing housing costs have pushed many low-income households’ budgets to the breaking point," the report said.

One of the biggest culprits is funding for affordable housing, which has been dramatically reduced at both the federal and state level in recent years. The report found there has been a 76-percent decrease in funding for affordable homes in Orange County since 2008.

Another problem – though a lesser one – is that there are more and more renters because there are fewer people who can afford to be homeowners.

"While the overall population increased by just two-percent between 2006 and 2012, the percentage of renter households increased by 17-percent, exacerbated in part by displacement caused by the foreclosure crisis" the report found.

The report makes several recommendations, including passing state legislation to create a permanent source of funding to built and maintain affordable housing.

"If California is to rebuild a strong and diverse economy that includes low- and moderate-income households, our state must reinvest in affordable homes and develop responsive policy." the report notes.

Previously in The Breakdown

The Breakdown explains what's behind Southern California business and economic news. It describes the effects the headlines have on you: whether you're an investor, a business owner, an employee, homeowner, consumer or just someone who wants to know how to save a buck.